Friday 7th June 2019
Congratulations to Joshua Carey, who has been selected as the Wiltshire FA's Rising Star of the Year in the 2019 FA and McDonald's Grassroots Football Awards.
A member of Royal Wootton Bassett Town's Under 16 Yellow squad and Level One qualified coach, he was awarded the prestigious prize for his work coaching the club's Under 12 Yellow and Under 8 Blue sides.
He received a number of nominations, which mentioned his positive, patient and respectful nature, the commitment he showed and impact he has had as a coach.
It is a fantastic achievement – and one which is hugely deserved for the number of voluntary hours that he has dedicated to helping coaching the two teams.
His victory makes it two years in a row that Bassett have had success in the FA and McDonald's Grassroots Football Awards. Last year, the club's Free Saturday Skills Session won the Wiltshire FA Community Project of the Year prize.
Oliver Selfe, CEO at the Wiltshire FA said: "The FA and McDonald's Grassroots Awards are a great opportunity to recognise and reward the fantastic work that goes on in grassroots football. The Rising Star category identifies young people making a significant contribution to football in the community, the nominations Joshua received highlighted what a great coach and role model he is for the team at Royal Wootton Bassett Town FC."
To celebrate his success and discuss the award, the club caught up with Joshua.
How does it feel to win the award for the Wiltshire FA's Rising Star of the Year?
JC: It feels amazing. I've been trying my hardest to be recognised for what I'm trying to achieve in the teams I coach, and it is a massive honour to be recognised by our FA. The award will be going right next to my Level One certificate, as it is another piece to the puzzle of my football coaching journey. This is just the start and I'm hoping to be recognised for even more in the next few years. I want to say a massive thank you to anyone who nominated me - it means so much to me!
What inspired you to get into coaching?
JC:As a player, I knew I wasn't going to progress after youth level due to my inability to get as fit as my teammates, and injuries have set me back this season. I started coaching as I think it is the best possible way for me to get into professional football. And even though I may not produce magic on the pitch, I want to be able to teach others how to produce that magic themselves.
I want players in youth football, and especially grassroots football, to have the same opportunities that academy players have to get into professional football. And if my coaching career takes me into a path where I drive to make these things happen, then so be it!
How did you get into helping out the two youth teams you are involved with?
JC: Mari Green was my French teacher at school and I knew she helped run the club's youth section. So after deciding to get into coaching I went straight to her, who got me into coaching the current Under 8 Blue, team as there was previously only one team at Under 7 level. They welcomed me into their team with open arms and that drove my passion for coaching because at some point I want to take on a team and have the full team spirit and unity that everyone wants.
With regard to the Under 12 Yellows, my younger brother Calum plays for them and Mark Ellis used to be my manager. He needed help with the team, so I took the opportunity and myself and Mark have created a cracking squad who could be potential promotion contenders in the 2019-20 season.
In what ways have you benefited from your experiences as a coach?
JC: As a coach, my main aim is to transfer my knowledge and skills to others and it pleases me so much when a player thanks me or benefits from my coaching techniques. I have benefited myself as it has definitely brought me out of my shell and my confidence has risen so much.
I have met lots of people both at RWBTFC and on my Level One course. I made lots of friends that I will be staying in contact with throughout our coaching journeys. As a player, coaching has taught me how to play football better and how to look at the game in a different light.
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The FA and McDonald's Grassroots Football Awards recognise how grassroots leagues, clubs, volunteers and community projects play their part in making the nation's favourite game happen week in and week out up and down the country. They recognise individuals and groups who put their heart and soul into the game.
As an FA partner for 17 years and the longest standing supporter of grassroots football in the UK, McDonald's continues to champion those selfless volunteers who enable everyone to play and enjoy grassroots football in a safe, fun and inclusive environment regardless of age, gender or disability.
Last modified on Wednesday 12th June 2019 at 09:32.
